Game: Paint by Pixel
Genre: Casual, Photo Editing
System: Steam (Windows & Mac OS)
Developers | Publishers: Tiny Little Lion | Boomzap Inc
Controller Support: No
Price: US $6.99 | UK £ 5.89 | EU € 6,89
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Review code used, with many thanks to Boomzap Inc.
Paint by Pixel is a 2023 casual paint-by-numbers type of game by Tiny Little Lion.
Introduction
Paint by Pixel is an excellent introduction to pixel art, a digital art form that uses tiny squares, or pixels, to create images. We often associate it with retro video games. Still, in recent years, it’s become increasingly popular as a way to create unique and visually appealing graphics. In Paint by Pixel, combining paint by numbers and pixel art creates a visually appealing and relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Structure
The game consists of 95 pictures to color, divided into five sections by size, tiny, small, medium, large, and huge. The selection of styles is lovely, everything from butterflies to landscapes. You can use more colors for the larger, more detailed paintings.
Gameplay
At the start of the game, players have the option to complete a tutorial or skip it. They can select any picture to paint without any particular order. Each picture is presented as a grid with numbers on the side to indicate how many pixels of a specific color is left in that area. On the right side of the picture, the player can see a palette with numbered colors. When you choose a color, all pixels that require that color are highlighted on the screen. Sometimes it can be challenging to see the pixels that need to be colored, especially when they are individual pixels instead of a large area. However, zooming in on the picture allows you to see each pixel numbered with its intended color.
The Painting Process
When coloring, you have two options: brush and fill modes. If you feel stuck, you can click the “hint” button above the brush. Additionally, you can use the pre-chosen colors or remix them to add a personal touch. Suppose you’re nearing the picture’s end, and only a few pixels remain. In that case, you can select the “auto solve” feature to fill them in automatically. Once all pixels of a particular color are filled in, the paint color will be checked out. And mistakenly clicking on the wrong pixel will not color it.
Some notes
When it comes to playing games of this nature, I typically turn off the in-game music and listen to my own. However, with Paint by Pixel, the music was so well-chosen that it enhanced my experience of the game’s visuals.
One feature of the game that players may appreciate is the inclusion of Steam achievements. However, there are no trading cards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I liked Paint by Pixel much more than I expected. The first time I played, I only intended to try it for a few minutes. Instead, I spent almost an hour colouring pixeled hot air balloons and astronauts. It’s a simple premise, but the end result is very relaxing.
Final Verdict: I liked it. 